Page 30 of In Good Company

She steps closer to me to reach the sink.

I can’t move.

I’m replaying the image of her pink tongue flattening against her skin and lapping up the whipped cream.

My body heats. My pulse spikes.

And what’s highly unprofessional are the thoughts running through my head.

Her tongue.

My body.

Mytongue.

Her body.

“Say something,” Lucy pleads, finishing washing her hands and wiping them on her apron. It’s obvious she’s taken my silence as anger when it’s the opposite.

I’m having very dirty thoughts about a woman on my payroll. A woman who’s also my brother’s ex-girlfriend.

“Yeah, Cal, say something,” Jude chimes in from the kitchen table. I hadn’t even noticed that he’d already taken his breakfast to the table and was busy shoveling it into his mouth.

Instead of saying anything, I turn on my heel and rush out of the kitchen like a bat out of hell.

I need a cold shower. Immediately.

FIFTEEN

LUCY

“I can’t believe you talked me into this after barely talking to me for three weeks,” Charlotte tells me before swiping a tube of pink lip gloss along her lips.

I give her an apologetic smile. “I know I’m the worst friend. I’ve been trying to get into a new routine working for Cal, and I just…”

“Abandoned me?” Charlotte finishes with a raised brow. She can’t hide the smile on her face. I know she understands I’ve been busy adjusting to my first few weeks working for Cal. She doesn’t hold me not being able to see her against me. I do feel bad for roping her into doing this today though.

“If you don’t want to do this, just let me know. Jude asked last minute on his and Cal’s behalf, and I didn’t have any plans for the day, so I just?—”

Charlotte holds up her hand to stop me from talking. “Of course I want to spend a day on the course with two of the hottest billionaire bachelors the Hamptons has to offer. I just wanted to give you shit about ignoring me.”

I smile and shake my head. When Jude showed up yesterday morning begging for help with the charity golf event at Pembroke today, I couldn’t tell him no. Both he and Cal justneeded someone to drive their golf carts and stand in as a caddy, although I was assured we wouldn’t have to carry their bags. They had entered the event as a pair but volunteered for the singles event after some members pulled out unexpectedly.

“Thank you for saying yes. I know there are tons of things you could do on your one Saturday off this month.” I look out my windshield, watching people walk toward the golf course from the Pembroke parking lot. We still have about ten minutes until the time we’re supposed to meet up with Cal and Jude. For some reason, I’m nervous, which is odd because I’ve seen both Cal and Jude almost every day during the three weeks I’ve been working for Cal. It just seems different to be out at the club with them, away from the professional setting I’ve been used to.

“You don’t have to thank me. Today, I get to experience Pembroke the way a member does. I’m ready to soak it in, baby.”

I laugh at Charlotte before opening the door to the Bronco and stepping out. The only golf experience I have is from when I was young and used to go with my brothers. I was there purely for moral support, which is hopefully all the skill I’ll need for today as well.

Charlotte gets out of the vehicle and stops next to me with a beaming smile on her face. “We look hot as hell, Lucy.” She holds up her hand for a high five.

I roll my eyes but slap my palm against hers anyway. “This golf skirt is a little shorter than the Pembroke one I’m used to,” I tell her, looking down at the black fabric that falls against my upper thigh.

Charlotte scoffs. “Our job today is to look cute. I love your outfit.” She loops her arm through mine as we head toward the pro shop, where we’re meeting Jude and Cal.

“Your outfit is better. I want thatpink.”

Charlotte smiles as she looks down at her matching set. It’s bubblegum pink and stands out enough that I’d be able to find her in any crowd. She even has her blonde hair pulled back in a ponytail with a black hat to fit with today’s task. I opted to wear my hair down and keep the hair out of my face with a thin pearl-white headband to match the shirt I’m wearing.

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